Skip l'Express unless there is nothing left open on a sunday night and really want to eat ordinary food (again, IMHO); go to Lemeac instead.

I would suggest you walk a little bit north to "3 Petits Cochons" or maybe cross the street to "Cocagne"; or maybe "Cuisine/Dépendance" or maybe ...

DNA decor is more "design" oriented than "Salle à Manger", and so it the food, both places are good but they are different. one good point in favor of DNA is their extensive list of Canadian wines. "Salle à Manger" (which roughly translates to "Dining Room") is more "Quebecois" in spirit, both in design and in food.

As far as I know, "La Cantine" serve upscaled "dinner" (or family) food; could be fun, but I've not been there.

I have no nostalgic attachment to l'Espress, therefore have no real appreciation for it. Seems to me to be a place people have loved for a long time or enjoy 'cause it reminds them of Paris. I'd never recommend it.

I actually like L'Express well enough. It is solid enough, the food is well-prepared, but not particularly exotic. Their fries are amazing, really delicious, one of my favorites there, and I love the jar of cornichons they offer (sometimes they forget to offer, but just ask them for one). But I would agree with Maximilien that Lemeac is better for my tastes, and if I had to choose between the 2, I'd go to Lemeac. But as I have the luxury of living in Montreal, I can happily go to one then the other. I go to Lemeac more often.

Well, Lemeac's after 10:00 pm special (starter, main for $22 after 10:00) is a fabluous deal. You can't do better. The choices are a little more limited than the whole menu, but is still great. Do a search and you will se many threads extolling this special.